The Most Awesome Day Trips from Tirana
Tirana is Albania’s vibrant capital and the perfect place to start your Balkan adventure. Exploring the city is a fantastic way to learn some of the intense history and rich culture. However, there are many amazing things to discover outside the city as well. Make sure you don’t miss out on these inspiring day trips from Tirana.
A Day Trip from Tirana to Shkoder
Let’s begin with a day trip from Tirana to ancient Shkoder. Shkoder is a small city bursting with culture and charm and enveloped in natural beauty. Considered to be the gateway to the Albanian Alps, Shkoder is certainly a city worthy of a day trip from Tirana or beyond.
There are many monuments, mosques and museums in the city. There are also many traditional coffee shops and restaurants to relax in. However, if you prefer being out in the open air, try a hike on one of the amazing trails outside of the city. The tiny hamlet of Theth is a beautiful hike from Shkoder but this might require an overnight stay. Lake Koman is also in the area and is a very beautiful place to visit.
You can reach Shkoder from Tirana by car in around two hours. However, it is also possible to take a bus from Tirana’s Regional Bus station, costing less than €4 and taking around 2 hours. If you take the bus, be prepared to walk a little from the stop in Shkoder, it is not near many of the attractions. Another option for this amazing day trip from Tirana, is to cut out all the hassle and take a tour from Tirana to Shkoder with a company such as VIATOR.
Kruja is a Great Day Trip from Tirana
The town of Kruja is only a 40 minute car journey from Tirana or you can take a bus from the for less than €1 each way. Kruja is a really easy and relaxed day trip from Tirana.
However, there is a lot to see in this small city! Some of the stand out sights include Kruja Castle, the old Bazaar and a fascinating ethnographic museum. There is also the opportunity to take a hike to the summit of Kruja Mountain and appreciate the extraordinary views across the town and beyond.
Take a Day Trip from Tirana to Berat
To visit Berat from Tirana in a day, you will need an early start. The bus from Tirana to Berat leaves from the Intercity Bus Terminal roughly every 30 minutes. The journey takes a little under 3 hours. Just make sure you also plan for the time it will take you to get to the bus station.
If you are driving, you might want to leave earlier as there is so much to see! Another option is to book a day tour from Tirana to Berat.
This city of Berat began as an Illyrian settlement in the 6th century BC. The streets are lined with Ottoman houses earning it the nickname, “The town of 1000 windows”.
Berat Castle sits atop the mountain and overlooks the city and the surrounding valley. Take a hike to the top to explore the ancient castle and absorb the remarkable views. You might even learn the folklore tale of Baba Tomorre.
There is a charming ethnographic museum that provides an interesting history of the area and its people. There are also many beautiful mosques and churches to marvel at throughout the city.
The Best Day Trips from Tirana – Visit Petrela Castle
The small village of Petrela lies only 15km South of Tirana. With around 5,000 inhabitants this is a sleepy little Albanian village. However, watching over its people is a stone castle dating back to the 6th century. Not as well known as Gjirokaster or Shkoder, Petrela Castle has a rich history. During the time of the Ottoman invasion, the castle was commanded by the sister of Skanderbeg – Albania’s leader. The castle also provides spectacular views across the Erzen Valley.
Discover Albania’s Former Capital City, Durres
The ancient port city of Durres is only 34 km from Tirana. It’s really worth a visit if you like history, enjoy the beach or can’t resist an ice cream! It’s one of the best day trips from Tirana!
It is relatively straightforward to travel by bus in Albania, if you are prepared. There is a bus from Tirana to Durres making it a great day trip idea.
The city of Durres has the second largest population in Albania with around 113,500 people. It is also the former capital of the country. The port city can be dated back to 627 BC when it was founded by the ancient Greeks. Durres also held an important part of the Roman Empire and has the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans, built in the 2nd Century.
Nowadays, Durres is a popular beach town for Albanian tourists. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants and a beautiful promenade along the seafront.
Relax in The Bay of Lalzi, an Easy Day Trip from Tirana
If you fancy a quieter beach, take a trip to the Bay of Lalzi. The bay sits a little up the coastline from Durres so not many tourists make it that far. It is still only an hours drive from Tirana. Alternatively, you could take a WINE TASTING TOUR and visit Durres and the Bay of Lalzi in a oner!
Conquer Dejti Mountain in a Day Trip from Tirana
If you are looking for some time out of the city, Dajti Mountain National Park is a great option. From the top of Mount Dajti, you are treated to a panoramic view over the city of Tirana and the surrounding mountains. As a result, the mountain has been nicknamed “the Balcony of Tirana”.
The most relaxing way to ascend the mountain is the Dajti Ekspres cable car. This is the longest of its type in the Balkans at 4.7km and in 15 mins you will travel far above Tirana up Dajti Mountain. The cars are Austrian made and very safe, but this is not a trip for the faint hearted.
The views of the city are incredible and as Tirana fades into the distance you pass over small, rural houses and farms, a little lake and plenty of greenery. Mount Dajti National Park is located near the summit.
Take a Day Trip from Tirana and Explore the Cape of Rodon
As well as being surrounded by rugged, natural beauty, the Cape of Rodon is also full of history. Along with the impressive castle, you will also spot several bunkers from the communist era, if you look hard enough. Many people make the trip here to camp overnight on the pristine, deserted beaches. However, it is perfectly possible to visit the Cape as a day trip from Tirana. The drive will take around 1.5 hours and the roads are in decent shape. It is also a really scenic route so be prepared to make a few stops along the way!
Experience Preza Castle and Village
Albania is just full of medieval castles! Having been completed in the 15th century, Preza Castle is actually one of the more modern ones. Preza village is also a charming place to visit. It has maintained its ancient olive trees from the time the castle was built. The legend goes that each married couple in the village was required to plant an olive tree to celebrate the wedding of – National Hero – Skanderbeg and his future wife. And they remain to this day.
The village is also known for it’s traditional loom works and many vineyards.
Step Back in Time and Visit Apollonia from Tirana
Apollonia is a reminder of the ancient Greeks in Albania. It began life in 600 BC as a Greek trade colony before the Romans developed it into a thriving city around 200 BC. The Emperor Augustus is said to have studied Philosophy here. Unfortunately, the city came to a murky end in the 3rd century after a huge earthquake literally changed the landscape. The swamps moved closer to the city and eventually took over.
Today you can still visit the ruins of the ancient city. They are damaged but enchanting and very worthy of a day trip from Tirana. To drive it will take around 2 hours. However, the roads can be a little hairy so take care and plan your trip well.
It is possible to travel by bus but this route can by a bit more complicated. The simplest way is to take a bus to Fier. From there, just ask someone at the bus station and they will tell you how to get to the village of Pojan. From the centre of Pojan, there is a 20 minute walk to the site – there are signs to follow is you look carefully. Alternatively, ride the bus from Tirana to Fier then take a taxi to the site. Remember, always negotiate the fare before getting in the cab.
If you are going to make this into one of your amazing day trips from Tirana, set off early to really make the most of this beautiful, historic site.
What to Pack for your Day Trips from Tirana
We have put together a convenient packing list for your day trips from Tirana.
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Backpack
- Snacks for travel
- Mini handheld fan (buses get incredibly hot in the summer!)
- Book/audiobook/music
- Water bottle
- Weather appropriate clothing, such as windbreaker and fleece for hiking OR swimsuit and towel for hitting the beach
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
- Phone
- Charging pack if needed
- Decent camera (phone) with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
- Cash
- Driving licence and passport – if hiring a car
Should I Rent a Car for my Day Trips from Tirana?
This is a tricky one, and definitely down to personal preference. Albania’s public transport is cheap and cheerful and most places are accessible by bus. However, there are very few railways in Albania. The buses – or furgons – are great for travelling between towns and cities. However, the timetable can be a bit restrictive. If you can haggle, a taxi driver will take you anywhere! If you are short on time, hiring a car might help you make the most of your day trips from Tirana.
Hitchhiking in Albania is a popular way to get around and is supposedly perfectly safe. We have not tried this ourselves but have spoken to many successful hitchers.
If you decide to rent a car in Albania, please make sure you take out the full insurance. Drivers in the Balkans have their own unique style…
Plan your journey in advance as there are many small roads that are not more than dirt tracks. However, this is improving all the time. Several mountain routes can be perilous if you do not plan ahead and take great care.
If you take the plunge and decide that driving is best for you, try SIXT. They are really handy if you are based in Tirana and are located at the airport.
The Albanian Language
Many Albanians in the cities speak a little English but it is useful to learn a few phrases in Albanian. It is certainly not an easy language for English speakers, but any attempt is greatly appreciated by the locals. Here are a few words to try out:
Hello Tungjatjeta (toon-jah-TYEH-tah)
Please Ju lutem (yoo LOO-tehm)
Thank you Faleminderit (fah-lehm-meen-DEH-reet)
Yes Po (poh)
No Jo (yoh)
Goodbye Mirupafshim (meer-oo-PAHF-sheem)
More information
- For Tirana tourist info click HERE
Where to go next
Ready for another adventure? Why not try travelling from TIRANA TO PODGORICA, Montenegro? There is plenty of history and nature to discover in beautiful Podgorica.
Final note: Things change in the Balkans all the time and there is not much information online in English. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.
Have you visited Tirana or anywhere else in Albania? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!
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Wonderful options! Berat’s “1000 windows” is calling to me. I would love to spend a month in this area and really soak in the history and diversity.
That’s a amazing post. I loved reading about these day trips. Day trips excites me quite a lot.